The White Sox are gearing up for the 2026 season after a whirlwind offseason, where GM Chris Getz had to flex his creative muscles to enhance the roster amidst financial constraints.
Last year, the White Sox operated with the second-lowest payroll in MLB at $87 million, despite generating $277 million in revenue. This revenue figure was also the second-lowest in the league, just ahead of the Athletics, with a mere 31% allocated to player payroll.
Fast forward to this season, and the White Sox have $64.4 million in guaranteed contracts, placing them 29th in MLB, with a projected total payroll of $101.5 million. While this is an increase from last season, it still ranks near the bottom of the league.
Given these limitations, Getz deserves kudos for his strategic maneuvers to bolster the team.
One of his standout moves was signing Munetaka Murakami to a two-year deal. Initially, Getz thought landing the Japanese slugger was a long shot, but as Murakami's market cooled, the opportunity arose. This signing not only addresses the need at first base but also boosts the White Sox’s international presence and adds a powerful bat to the lineup.
Another key decision was picking up Luis Robert Jr’s $20 million option and subsequently trading him to the Mets for Luisangel Acuna. This trade provides Acuna with a fresh start and offers the White Sox roster flexibility, thanks to Acuna’s versatile skill set.
More importantly, it freed up funds, allowing Getz to sign Seranthony Dominguez to a two-year deal and Austin Hays to a one-year contract. Dominguez is set to solidify a bullpen that struggled with 24 blown saves last season, while Hays fills a crucial gap in the outfield.
Essentially, Getz transformed Robert, who had a 1.4 WAR last season, into Acuna, Dominguez, and Hays, who together posted a 1.9 WAR.
In addressing the starting rotation, Getz took a chance on KBO standout Anthony Kay and reconnected with former KBO MVP Erick Fedde. These moves not only offer potential trade assets for the deadline but also add much-needed depth to a rotation that previously relied on opener strategies.
Are the White Sox poised to dominate the division? Not quite yet. But in the immediate future, Getz has crafted a roster that supports the team’s young core and sets the stage for a genuine postseason run in 2027.
Looking further ahead, the financial picture might brighten. The Ishbia family, with Justin Ishbia at the helm, is positioned to potentially take control of the organization by 2029.
While fans are eager for a swift transition from Jerry Reinsdorf, the agreement stipulates a handover by 2035 at the latest. The Ishbia family's track record of aggressive spending with the Phoenix Suns hints at a promising future for the White Sox.
This past offseason has been a beacon of hope for White Sox fans. Even if every move doesn’t hit the mark, Getz has shown that he can be both creative and strategic under financial pressure. If these constraints are lifted under Ishbia’s potential leadership, it could pave the way for sustained success.